Saw an ad on CR for a $50 GL so without much hesitation I picked it up. Can't go wrong for $50.

Turns out it is an early '75 production. GL1-1000643. Engine in the 800s.

It's in rough shape and I was going to go through and replace all cables, rubber, timing belts, ect ect. I was going to upgrade ignition, coils, brake lines ect to a more modern and reliable set up. I plan on cross country trips with this bike. Turns over no problem but will undoubtedly have electrical issues as a small mammal made his home in the storage tank.

So, my question is, since this is early production is there any value to rebuilding with more stock components or just go wild?

Anyways, glad to be part of the group and I'm sure you'll hear of my triumphs as well as me crawling back here for help after I've messed something up.

I recently picked up a 75 GL1000 cheap that looks about the same as what you have. It had a failure of the u joint on the drive line and the previous owner thought it was the transmission. I bought it as a parts bike, but decided to restore it. The engine appears to be OK. It was missing a some parts and needs a complete full scale refresh of everything brakes, timing belts, spline maintenance and so on.

I am surprised that there is not more of a cult following of the 75 since it was a similar impact to the motorcycle history as was the 1969 CB750. I think in the future prices will rise and the it will be sought after. They are disappearing at a fast clip, just look at the parts listed on ebay.

My point is your new project will have more value if you restore it using original parts for the bike, not to mention your saving another example. Parts are plentiful and relative to other vintage bikes, the prices are still reasonable.

That's exactly the struggle I'm dealing with right now. I'd love to upgrade and ride a cool bike. But maybe this one is better served as a resto type of project. It will depend on the title process too.

I recently picked up a 75 GL1000 cheap that looks about the same as what you have. It had a failure of the u joint on the drive line and the previous owner thought it was the transmission. I bought it as a parts bike, but decided to restore it. The engine appears to be OK. It was missing a some parts and needs a complete full scale refresh of everything brakes, timing belts, spline maintenance and so on.

I am surprised that there is not more of a cult following of the 75 since it was a similar impact to the motorcycle history as was the 1969 CB750. I think in the future prices will rise and the it will be sought after. They are disappearing at a fast clip, just look at the parts listed on ebay.

My point is your new project will have more value if you restore it using original parts for the bike, not to mention your saving another example. Parts are plentiful and relative to other vintage bikes, the prices are still reasonable.

I attached a photo of my starting point on my project.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Did you actually fix the u-joint or just get a used one.

The problem with these bikes are that you can't get 99% of the parts from Honda.

Many aftermarket parts are made but a lot of critical ones, including u-joints are not.

The early years are worth no more than any other GL1000, excluding the 76 LTD.

I doubt there will be any real increase in value unless you have a 100% original in A1 shape or you spend 10k to get it restored.

Actually, the first thing I had to do was turn it right side up and get it onto the wheels. Don't know why the attachment wound up upside down.

I managed to find a complete swing arm, rear end and drive line reasonable priced in low mileage condition.

There is a glut of parts showing up ( used) and some repo support, with some old stock. Compared to the other bikes I am working on and own from the 60's the Goldwing is a factor of ten times easier to find parts. Restoring bikes is not a money making proposition just like restoring old automobiles.

I am speculating that eventually the first of the Goldwing will be more sought after as they disappear into the recycle heaven similar to other motorcycle game changing models.

I am surprised at the low price points on the early goldwings. I just got home today with a 75 goldwing in near show room (original )condition that I purchased for two thousand dollars plus lots of spare parts. It has been sitting for 10 years and will require all the maintenance necessary to bring it up to safe riding condition. With the cost of doing all the maintenance (carbs, belts, ect) there is still no room for profit. It's a passion and not a business and I think most motorcyclist understand what I mean. If your into restoration for money, you might starve to death.

I have learned alot from the posts on this site and appreciate that there are so many like minded people interested in keeping the fleet alive. I am sure there will be some future question I will need help with in the future.

In Europe, where GL's were/are not specifically rare, although sold all years in far less quantities as in the USA, a couple of years ago GL1000's were sold at a max. of $ 6.000,-........
Nowadays many early, original GL1000's, which are well searched are being offered and sold at prices from $ 5.000,- up to over $ 12.000,- (many units) .......
(see 2 European-wide largest 2nd hand sales channels)

Looks like there are a lot of non-stock items on the bike already. The mufflers, low handlebars, the square rear signal and the seat are definitely not stock 1975. You definitely can't beat the price though. Would make a good daily driver. I would hate to part out a complete bike like that if it truly is in running condition. Engine first, then the safety items.

Making it original would not be that difficult. Lots of good used parts out there.

As far as early production value, unless it is in pristine condition I wouldn't be concerned about it. These first generation bikes don't bring big $$$ unless they are museum pieces sans the 76 LTD.

I would get it running well before considering restoration to 75 status. In the states, the 75 goes for more than later years but not by more than $500 most of the time. Of course buying for $50 means the same condition for a 1977 would be -$450 LOL. Plenty of parts available to get her running.